Saturday, July 2, 2011

Senior Mobility: "Transportation is a top need of older adults, and their transit use is increasing. One of every five persons over 65 is a non-driver. AARP reports that 'Although older adults' predominant means of travel continues to be their personal vehicles, transit use by people age 65+, as a share of all trips they take, increased by a remarkable 40% between 2001 and 2009;' In 2009, older adults took more than 1 billion trips on public transportation. Most Americans are going to live for a number of years after they cease driving, so the challenge of to meet the special transportation needs of these frail older people (85+) continues. Specialized transportation is the only feasible mode for frail older persons, other than getting rides from others. They will often need travel escorts and door-to-door and door-through door assistance so that they can continue to live independently in their own homes and connected to their communities. Lost mobility jeopardizes not only the physical and emotional health of the individual who may feel a sense of loss and dependency but also the quality of their community." CTAA